Heather Humphreys has announced her retirement from politics. 

The Minister for Social Protection made the surprise announcement last night, becoming the 18th Fine Gael TD to confirm they will not be standing for re-election. 

The Cavan-Monaghan TD said “politicians are human too” and cited her health and energy levels. 

File Photo: Heather Humphreys, Photo: Rollingnews.ie

Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe described it as a “really surprising announcement”. 

“It highlights the dilemma that Fine Gael has,” he said. 

“On the one hand, they’re riding very high in the polls, on the other hand when you look at a lot of these constituencies they are going to have problems. 

“Heather Humphreys stepping away makes the likelihood of them taking two seats in Cavan-Monaghan very remote. 

“Then you’ve got other constituencies like Dublin Bay South where former TD Kate O’Connell is going to run against the party. 

“Dublin Rathdown where former Minister Alan Shatter is going to run against the party.” 

Heather Humphreys was first elected as a TD in 2011 and was made a Minister three-years later by Enda Kenny. 

Since the formation of the current Government in 2020, she has served as Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Main image: The Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys leaving Dublin Castle after Cabinet. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews